Histamine receptors and cyclic AMP

The identification and characterization of histamine receptors in the organ systems of various species has been made possible in recent years by the introduction of relatively selective agonists and antagonists of H1 and H2 receptors. H2 receptors have now been clearly demonstrated in gastric mucosa, heart, rat uterus, brain, and adipose tissue. Less well-defined H2 receptor systems have also been described in the vasculature, bronchioles, and other smooth muscles as well as in the thyroid gland and lymphocytes. In tissues where it has been examined a close correlation between H2 receptors and the adenylate cyclase – cyclic AMP system has been found. With the exception of the central nervous system stimulation of H1 receptors does not seem to be involved with cyclic AMP. In the case of the brain the H1 receptor stimulation of adenylate cyclase can be differentiated from H2 receptor stimulation of the enzyme by the use of blocking agents and by the fact that the H1 receptor response is enhanced in the presence of adenosine. Studies of the involvement of histamine with the adenylate cyclase – cyclic AMP system have been concentrated on such tissues as gastric mucosa, heart, rat uterus, brain, and adipose tissue. The present review will concentrate on the literature concerning those tissues.